ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Chesapeake Bayhawks
announced Monday that owner Brendan Kelly has retired from head
coaching responsibilities. After two seasons of coaching, Kelly
will refocus his energy and time into the ownership
responsibilities of the franchise.

Kelly purchased the team in February of 2010 and immediately
changed the name from the Washington Bayhawks to the Chesapeake
Bayhawks in order to encompass a greater fan base throughout the
region. After a four-game losing streak in July of 2010, Kelly
stepped in to become head coach of the Bayhawks. Bringing new life
into the team, Kelly led the Bayhawks to a playoff berth and then
on to win the 2010 MLL Championship.

"It has been an honor to coach such an incredible group of
athletes," Kelly said. "The Bayhawks have a very promising 2012
season coming up and I know that it is my time to retire and let
the next coach lead them there. I will still be very involved in
the organization as the owner. I plan to spend more time with the
fans and sponsors and re-vamp our tailgates, which is something I
have always wanted to be more involved in."

The Chesapeake organization has had a successful run under
Kelly's leadership. He boasts an overall coaching record of 10-8,
including the championship win, for the Bayhawks from July 2010
through the 2011 MLL season. Besides that, the franchise has seen
an enormous growth in sponsorship and attendance as a direct result
of Kelly's leadership off the field. As the owner, Kelly will
remain active in the business side of the franchise and will look
to further grow the organization and bring a new vision to the fan
game-day experience.

"Jack Harbaugh said 'attack each day with enthusiasm unknown to
mankind'," Bayhawks midfielder Kyle Dixon explained. "I can think
of very few people that have impacted me directly that have lived
their lives both personally and professionally by these words -
Brendan is definitely one of them. I can't thank him enough for
what he has done for this organization as a head coach and what he
will continue to do as an owner."

The Bayhawks have not yet named a successor for Kelly, but the
franchise expects to name a new head coach early 2012.

Will the team look to within for its head coach? That remains to
be seen.

On a media conference call with MLL coaches Monday morning,
Kelly was not present. Dave Cottle, the team president and former
Maryland and Loyola coach, represtented the team and answered media
questions about the recent MLL expansion and supplemental drafts,
and what the Bayhawks are looking for in the Jan. 13 collegiate
draft.

The Bayhawks also brought in former Denver coach and general
manager Brian Reese as their new GM this offseason. During his time
in Denver, Reese coached the Outlaws to four straight playoff
berths and two championship game appearances.